Neeskens hits out at opposition

Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens has lambasted the defensive approach of some his side's opponents this season.

The Dutch mentor said on Thursday, ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarter-final this weekend, that some of the country's top-flight clubs had hampered the Brazilians' free-flowing style of play in their last eight matches, of which they have won two and drawn the rest.

Neeskens was a crucial member of the Netherlands' 'total football' approach that revolutionised the game nearly four decades ago,

"It is difficult to play opponents when they put 10 people behind the ball and park a bus," Neeskens said.

"I like excitement but these guys are denying the fans who pay money to watch football entertainment."

Sundowns beat Black Leopards 2-1 on Tuesday night to move back to the top of the Premiership standings.

"You saw in the game against Leopards that we always try to attack," Neeskens said.

"I don't believe that we are inconsistent. How can we be when we are creating chances?

"I think we deserved to win and we got the three points in the end.

"Now hopefully our next opponents will not look to park the bus but look to play."

Sundowns face Maritzburg United in their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon.

Neeskens believed the Team of Choice had the resources to test his star-studded squad as they went in search of a place in the last four.

"They have quality in the team and that is why they reached the last eight of this competition," he said.

"Obviously, United want to win the match as well, but we are hoping to win and move on to the next stage of the cup."

Elsewhere on Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs tackle Free State Stars in Polokwane.

It will be Amakhosi's first match under interim coach Ace Khuse after the club parted ways with Vladimir Vermozovic on Thursday.

AmaZulu face Santos in KwaMashu on Sunday, while SuperSport United line up against Jomo Cosmos in Polokwane.